Hannibal season 3 clip offers first look at the red dragon

The third season of NBC’s gore-soaked Hannibal will soon be upon us, and a brand new featurette has appeared online to clue us in to what we can expect. Naturally, that involves even more extravagant culinary cannibalism as the titular doctor makes his way across the pond to Florence, Italy.

Picking up some time after the bloody season two finale, the next chapter includes a raft of familiar faces. Hannibal’s arch-enemy Will Graham, the left-for-dead Alana Bloom and Jack Crawford and his new paramour, Bedelia Du Maurier all appear in this sneak peek alongside a newcomer who fans of Thomas Harris’ novels may recognise. Take a look below:

There’s quite a bit to take in in that brief three minutes, most notably the introduction of Francis Dolarhyde - aka The Tooth Fairy and The Red Dragon. Played by Ralph Fiennes in the 2002 movie adaptation, this time The Hobbit’s Richard Armitage has the honor of playing the villainous wretch. But will his murderous impulses rival those of his competitor, Hannibal Lecter, now that he has a willing accomplice in his crimes? Only time will tell....

Hannibal season 3 premieres on June 4 in the US (NBC) and on June 10 in the UK (Sky Living).